US Open Preview: Day Twelve
Posted by Aaress Lawless on Sep 4, 2008 | Print |
The 2008 US Open women’s semifinals will take center stage on Friday in Flushing Meadows.
Jelena Jankovic, Serena Williams, Elena Dementieva, and Dinara Safina will vie for two coveted berths in Saturday’s championship match.
Aaress’ Picks for Friday
Elena Dementieva (RUS)[5] v. Jelena Jankovic (SRB)[2]
It’s down to the final four at the US Open and not only is a major title on the line, but also the No. 1 ranking. One of the quartet could walk away with the trophy, while another could potentially steal away the top spot. Or, one superheroine can walk away with the package deal.
Both of the semifinals will be hard-fought, but this one is the toughest to call. Elena Dementieva has had a marvelous summer, but so has Jankovic.
This one will come down to who can deal with the pressure the best. Jankovic needs to reach a Grand Slam final to receive a validation stamp on her 2008 season, while Dementieva knows that the clock is ticking on her chances of winning her first Grand Slam. At nearly twenty-seven, Dementieva is well aware that time could quickly run out.
Elena Dementieva in three sets
Dinara Safina (RUS)[6] v. Serena Williams (USA)[4]
While I was watching Serena vs. Venus on Wednesday, the thought crossed my mind of how good it is to see Serena wholly committed to the sport. Memories of last year’s Australian Open started to return, and although Serena has had less drama this year in Flushing Meadows, we clearly know that her trip to NYC will be a failure in her own mind if she does not leave with the trophy under her arm.
Dinara Safina is a tricky customer, especially as she has been blessed (or cursed) with the Safin unpredictability. Serena holds a 3-1 lead over Dinara in their previous meetings, and that one loss came on clay, which is arguably Serena’s worst surface. These two have only met at the US Open once in 2002, where Serena cruised with a 6-0, 6-1 victory. It will not be near as easy for Serena on Friday in the semifinals, especially if Safina brings her best game to the world’s biggest stage.
Serena Williams in three sets
Please go here to view the complete schedule of play for Friday.
She Said What?
Venus Williams about her future singles and doubles plans with Serena:
“For the record, I’m aiming for the 2016 Olympics. We’ll be playing doubles. I’ll be here for a long time still grinding and earning titles and making life hard for anyone and everyone.
What Else is Happening in Flushing Meadows?
Inclement Weather Advisory
Tropical Storm Hanna might affect the women’s final on Saturday.
Paes and Black win U.S. Open mixed doubles title
India’s Leander Paes and Zimbabwe’s Cara Black won the mixed doubles title on Thursday.
USA Television Schedule for Friday
All times are Eastern.
Men’s Doubles Final/Women’s SF - CBS - 12:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Don’t forget to enter On the Baseline’s Pick the Winner’s contest! The entry deadline for Friday’s featured match is 10:00 am ET.
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